Before scheduling an abortion, you should confirm that your pregnancy is viable and in the correct location.
This will prevent you from getting the wrong procedure or a procedure that is unnecessary.
Very Early Pregnancy
Some pregnancy tests can detect the presence of the pregnancy hormone hCG within a few weeks of conception, before the pregnancy can be confirmed by ultrasound. The presence of hCG alone does not mean that you are really pregnant, or that you have a pregnancy that will continue naturally.
In addition to a positive pregnancy test, confirmation of pregnancy requires:
- Visualization of a gestational sac or yolk sac within the uterus
- Visualization of a baby within the gestational sac
- Presence of a fetal heartbeat
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Ectopic pregnancy refers to the condition when a pregnancy is growing outside the uterus. During a healthy pregnancy, the pregnancy grows inside the uterus. During an ectopic pregnancy, the pregnancy may grow in a fallopian tube, ovary, cervix, or abdominal cavity.
Diagnosis
- A pelvic exam
- Blood tests to check pregnancy hormone levels
- An ultrasound to confirm the location of the baby
- Direct observation of the fallopian tube during surgery may be necessary for a diagnosis
Treatment
- Medication can be used to treat some early ectopic pregnancies without requiring surgery.
- If your physician determines that medication is not a possible treatment, surgery may be necessary to remove the pregnancy, placenta, and perhaps the fallopian tube.
PREGNANCY CAN TYPICALLY BE CONFIRMED VIA ULTRASOUND BY ABOUT 6 WEEKS GESTATION.
Ensure that your pregnancy has been confirmed, located, and found viable before pursuing any treatment options.
Miscarriage
Miscarriage, or a failed pregnancy, is the loss of a pregnancy less than twenty weeks gestation. Miscarriage is the most common complication of early pregnancy. One in five known pregnancies end on their own. Many pregnancies end before a woman even knows she is pregnant.Common reasons for this are due to abnormal genetic material in the baby, hormonal problems, infections, toxins, or immune abnormalities.
Miscarriage is often a difficult experience. It is important to remember that it is very unlikely that you did anything that led to it and most women who miscarry are able to have a healthy baby later.
Diagnosis
Miscarriage may be diagnosed by a combination of:
- Blood tests to measure falling hormone levels
- A pelvic exam The inability of a diagnostic ultrasound to demonstrate a beating heart after six or more weeks of life
- Abnormal findings on ultrasound
Treatment
If all pregnancy tissue has been passed, it is likely that further treatment may not be needed If some tissue remains in your uterus after a miscarriage, you may need medication to treat or have a surgical procedure to remove it in order to prevent infection.
Your Blood Type
Knowing your blood type is very important if you are pregnant, even if you have a miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy or an abortion. Those with an Rh negative blood type need a RhoGAM injection within 72 hours of vaginal bleeding to protect future pregnancies.
Signs of
Complications
- Severe pain low in your abdomen or on one side
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or blackouts
- Heavy bleeding (>1 pad an hour)
- Excessive vomiting
- Gush of warm liquid from your vagina
- Passage of tissue (not just blood clots) from your vagina
- Abnormally low blood pressure
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention from your OB/GYN immediately.
If you do not have an OB/GYN, proceed to your nearest emergency department.
